Adjustable mount for cylindrical lens

ABSTRACT

A positioning device disposes an optical component with respect to an optical axis. The positioning device has a lens carrier ( 14 ) for housing the lens ( 18 ) or other optical component, a mount ( 12 ) supporting the lens carrier along the optical axis, the lens carrier movable within the mount in at least one direction. An extended member is coupled to the lens carrier for setting the position of the carrier within the mount. A movable cam urges the extended member to effect movement in the at least one direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a device for adjustably mounting anoptical element in an optical system; and, in particular, to mounting acylindrical lens that is independently adjustable an optical axis, in anoptical system such as in a laser printer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The positioning of a lens, mirror or similar optical element (hereafter“lens”) involves spatially locating such element within six degrees offreedom. The lens is located translationally relative to each of threeorthogonal axes directions generally designated as the x(scan),y(cross-scan), and z(beam path) axes directions. The lens is alsolocated rotationally relative to three rotational directions, generallydesignated as the θ_(x), θ_(y), and θ_(z) directions, corresponding toangular rotation, respectively, about each of the x, y, and z axes.

Monolithic spherical lenses having one curved surface provide powermagnification in two orthogonal directions, x and y, and focus parallelrays at a focal point corresponding to the center of curvature of thelens surface. Such lenses are used in laser printers, for example, forcontrolling beam spot size, convergence and focusing. Correctpositioning of such spherical lenses in the x, y translational andθ_(x), θ_(y) rotational directions assures alignment of the focal pointand center of the lens relative to an incident beam of light coincidentwith the z axis. Correct location of the lens along the z axis serves toassure proper focusing of an imaged object. Considerations for locatingconjugate and composite spherical lens elements are similar.

Monolithic cylindrical lenses having one curved surface providemagnification in only one direction, x or y, and focus parallel rays toa line or lens cylinder axis parallel to the other direction, y or xrespectively. Cylindrical lenses are used in laser printers, forexample, for beam shaping, such as for controlling x-direction ory-direction elliptical beam spot size. Cylindrical lenses may bemanufactured to have a planar surface opposite the curved surface whichis generally parallel to the x-y plane. Such a lens can, thus, belocated in the θ_(x) and θ_(y) rotational directions by orienting thex-y planar surface normal to the incident beam z axis direction.Variations in positioning in the non-magnification direction (i.e.variations in the y direction for magnification in the x direction, andvice versa) are not critical in many applications. Thus, once correctorientation of the x-y planar surface is established, locationalprecision is needed only in the x or y magnification translational andθ_(z) rotational directions. Location in the z direction is leftadjustable for focusing purposes.

Conventional mounts for multiple degree-of-freedom positioning ofoptical elements nest multiple structural components for independentrelative movement, one with respect to the other, to achieve therequired translational and/or rotational positioning. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 4,652,095 (Mauro) describes an arrangement of three nestedstages, each having a table shiftable along rails in a respective x, y,or z translational direction by a threaded rod movable against the forceof an opposing spring. The stages are nested, with the optical elementmounted for movement with the table of the first stage, the first stagemounted for movement with the table of the second stage, and the secondstage mounted for movement with the table of the third stage. U.S. Pat.No. 3,596,863 (Kasparek) shows an arrangement of nested flexural pivots,each providing a respective θ_(x), θ_(y), and θ_(z) rotationaladjustment. Other examples of nested optical element mountingarrangements are given in U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,471 (Rempel); U.S. Pat.No. 4,077,722 (Bicskei); U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,852 (Kobierecki et al.);and U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,548 (Jue).

Mounting arrangements that provide multiple degree of freedom lenspositioning, without nesting, are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,358(Melmoth) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,830 (Wutherich). U.S. Pat. No.3,989,358 provides independent x and y translational adjustments bymicrometer spindles that are moved against knife-edges, displaced 90degrees circumferentially about a lens retaining ring. U.S. Pat. No.4,408,830 provides x, y, and x-y translational adjustments by movinginclined faces of screw-driven cradle elements against correspondingangled comers of a rectangular lens retainer.

As a general observation, conventional devices for achievingsix-degree-of-freedom positioning of optical elements tend to be undulycomplex and costly. Moreover, when used for mounting cylindrical lensesin optical systems like those of laser printers or the like, precisemachining utilized to ensure correct positioning in critical directionsis wasted when applied also for non-critical ones. In general, prior artmounts seek to avoid the exertion of any torque directly on the lensitself. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,599 (Hanke et al.)

A number of innovative solutions have been proposed for cylindrical lensmounting without undue complexity. For example, commonly-assigned U.S.Pat. No. 5,194,993 (Bedzyk) discloses an inexpensive lens mount forpositioning a cylindrical lens or similar optical element in an opticalsystem like that of a laser printer, wherein six degree-of-freedompositioning is achieved with a minimum of nesting, taking advantage ofphysical characteristics of the lens, and employing a push-pullmechanism for applying a biasing torque on the lens, against whichadjustments in the x or y axis magnification direction and θ_(z)rotational direction are made. As another example, commonly-assignedU.S. Pat. No. 5,220,460 (Bedzyk) discloses a lens mount that applies abiasing torque against the lens in the θ_(z) rotational direction. Yetanother example is given in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,648(Bedzyk). U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,648 discloses the use of a V-shapedchannel track as a base for an adjustable mount, with the V-channelproviding alignment along the optical axis. A carrier contains the lensitself, providing suitable orientation in x-y directions and θ_(x), andθ_(y) rotation, and movable along the V-channel for positioningadjustment along the z-axis. An extended bracket provides the θ_(z)rotational adjustment.

While the solutions offered in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,194,993; 5,220,460; and5,210,648 enable precision adjustment of lens positioning for all sixdegrees of freedom, the accessibility needed to make these adjustmentscan be a practical constraint in some situations, particularly fordesigns requiring compact packaging of pre-scan optical components. Forexample, the adjustable mount of U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,648 requires accessto adjustment screws from both the front and the top of this unit. Theadjustable mounts of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,220,460 and 5,194,993 requireaccess for adjustment from both the front and sides.

Thus it can be seen that there would be advantages to the design of anadjustable lens positioning mount having adjustments for z and θ_(z)positions accessible from a single direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable lensmount having adjustments for z positioning and θ_(z) rotation accessiblefrom a single direction. With this object in mind, the present inventionprovides a positioning device for disposing an optical componentrelative to an optical axis, the positioning device comprising:

-   -   (a) a carrier for housing the optical component;    -   (b) a mount supporting the carrier along the optical axis,        wherein the carrier is movable within the mount in at least one        direction;    -   (c) an extended member coupled to the carrier for setting the        position of the carrier within the mount; and    -   (d) a movable cam for urging the extended member to effect        movement in at least one direction.

It is a feature of the present invention that it employs cam movement toprovide high resolution rotational adjustment of a lens.

It is an advantage of the lens mount of the present invention that itprovides suitable positioning in x, y and rotational θ_(x), and θ_(x)directions, allowing the z and coarse and fine θ_(z) rotationadjustments to be performed by turning adjustment screws on one side ofthe lens mount.

It is a further advantage of the present invention that it provides anapparatus that can be kept in place as part of an optical apparatus orcan be used as a removable fixture for adjustment and potting of theoptical components.

It is a further advantage of the apparatus of the present invention thatit requires precision manufacture only for specific components, allowinglow-cost fabrication of the lens mount itself.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon areading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunctionwith the drawings wherein there is shown and described an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, itis believed that the invention will be better understood from thefollowing description when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an adjustable lens mount accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view showing the relationship of adjustable lensmount components to the optical axis;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view showing components of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the alignment tool showing the positioninghousing of the adjustable lens mount;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view showing how the alignment tool isseated on the adjustable lens mount;

FIG. 6 is a top view showing the mechanical components used foradjustment along the z axis;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of mechanical components for adjustment alongthe z axis;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing adjustment screws on the top of thepositioning housing of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front plan view showing how θ_(z) rotation of the lenscarrier is achieved using a pin;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing components used for coarse θ_(z)adjustment;

FIG. 11 is a top view showing the mechanical components used for coarseθ_(z) adjustment;

FIG. 12 is a top view showing the mechanical components used for fineθ_(z) adjustment; and

FIG. 13 is a top view showing an arrangement of mechanical componentsthat can be used for effecting translation along the z-axis in analternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present description is directed in particular to elements formingpart of, or cooperating more directly with, apparatus in accordance withthe invention. It is to be understood that elements not specificallyshown or described may take various forms well known to those skilled inthe art.

A typical optical system of the type to which the invention findsapplication includes an optical head for projecting a beam of laserlight along an optical beam path coincident with a z axis direction. Thebeam is modulated in accordance with information received from an imagesignal generating circuit, and scanned line-by-line in an x axis (scan)direction by means of a rotating polygon onto a photosensitive film orother similar receiving medium. The medium is in turn moved in an y axis(cross-scan) direction by means of a rotating drum or the like. Astart-of-scan detector controls the timing of the light beam modulation.Optical elements, including cylindrical lenses, are positioned betweenthe optical head and the mirrored multiple facets of the polygon tocontrol beam shaping, focusing and direction. Other optical elements,located between the polygon and the drum, correct for differences inbeam focus due to the ƒ-θ condition and focus the image in thecross-scan direction to avoid objectionable banding artifacts due tofacet out-of-plane wobble and pyramid angle errors. Additional detailsconcerning the functioning and operation of laser printers of this typeare given in U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,153 (Daniels et al.); U.S. Pat. No.4,397,521 (Antos et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,962 (DeJager et al.); U.S.Pat. No. 4,982,206 (Kessler et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,320(DeJager et al.)

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an adjustable lens mount 10 of thepresent invention, in perspective view. Adjustable lens mount 10 isdesigned to locate a lens 18 for use in shaping the elliptical form of ascanning beam in either the x or y direction and for controlling itsposition on the optical axis (the z axis) and controlling its rotationalong the z axis, θ_(z). Lens 18 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted with itsfocus in the y axis; however, those skilled in the art can readilyappreciate that the same principles apply for a lens having focus in thex axis direction.

Adjustable lens mount 10 has a base 12 elongated in the z-axis directionand a lens carrier 14 including a central optical opening 16 that isconcentric with the z axis. Base 12 has flat rails 22 on either side ofa V-shaped track 20. V-shaped track 20 has an upwardly-opening channelthat extends longitudinally in the z direction. Flat rails 22 alsoextend longitudinally in the z direction. In a preferred embodiment,V-shaped track 20 and flat rails 22 are formed to have uniform lateralcross section along the length of base 12.

Lens carrier 14 is configured for adjustable movement translationally inthe z axis direction and rotationally in the θ_(z) direction withinV-shaped track 20. Lens carrier 14 is a generally cylindrical body,shown within a positioning housing 24 that provides the various z andθ_(z) adjustment mechanisms described subsequently. Ideally, the body oflens carrier 14 and V-shaped track 20 in which it is seated aredimensioned, configured, and adapted so that the center of opticalopening 16 coincides with optical axis z when lens carrier 14 is seatedwithin base 12. Lens carrier 14 acts as an optical component housing,configured to mount lens 18, or other suitable optical device,substantially in parallel to the x-y plane of the optical system, sothat x, y, and θ_(x) and θ_(y) positioning is automatically effectedwhen lens carrier 14 is seated within V-shaped track 20 on base 12.Referring to the front view of FIG. 2 and to the side sectional view ofFIG. 3 taken from reference line A-A in FIG. 2, the positionalrelationship of lens carrier 14 with respect to optical axis z and theorthogonal x and y axes is shown. A cylindrical lens axis 26 of lens 18lies along optical axis z in this embodiment. A pin 28, aligned with theradius of rotation of lens carrier 14, cooperates with adjustmentcomponents in positioning housing 24 to effect both z-axis and θ_(z)adjustment, in a manner described subsequently.

Fitted on the top of positioning housing 24 is an alignment tool 30, asshown more clearly in the top view of FIG. 4 and removed from positionin the partially exploded perspective view of FIG. 5. Mechanisms ofalignment tool 30 are used to perform the linear z position adjustmentand both coarse- and fine-θ_(z) rotational adjustments. In theembodiment shown, alignment tool 30 seats securely in place atoppositioning housing 24 by means of pins 34 that engage holes 36 in abracket 32. This arrangement enables removal of alignment tool 30 afteradjustments are complete. However, alignment tool 30 may be kept inposition in the optical apparatus, allowing later adjustments to be moreeasily made. Bracket 32 is itself secured to base 12 by mounting bolts38 through threaded bores 76 on flat rails 22; of course, otherarrangements for bracket 32 mounting could be used, as is well known tothose skilled in the optical component mounting arts.

In general, adjustments for z and θ_(z) positioning will be madefollowing a certain order, as described following. However, in practice,the adjustments described subsequently could be made in any order,depending on the requirements of the optical apparatus design.

Mechanism for z-Axis Adjustment

With the apparatus of the present invention, the first adjustmenttypically made is the linear z-positioning adjustment, which sets therelative position of lens carrier 14 along the optical axis (z axis),within V-shaped track 20. Initially, the z-position of lens carrier 14is approximately measured, and positioning housing 24 mounted, so thatthis adjustment need only provide a more exacting positioning to about+/−0.031 inches in a preferred embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown top view and bottomviews, respectively, of components of alignment tool 30 that urge lenscarrier 14 backwards or forwards along the z axis by applying force topin 28. The top view representation of FIG. 6 is simplified to showcomponents that provide z adjustment motion, excluding other mechanicalcomponents for simplicity. A z-adjustment pinion 40 cooperates with agear 42 in rack-and-pinion fashion to shift the position of az-positioning plate 44, a linkage that pivots about a pin 46, mounted toalignment tool 30. This action causes the edge surface of a slot 48 inz-positioning plate to press against the side of pin 28, thereby forcinglens carrier 14 to move in the z-direction, that is, along V-shapedtrack 20. The gear ratio, pivot pin 46 placement, and dimensioning ofz-positioning plate 44 contact surfaces are configured to suit therequired adjustment resolution and range. In a preferred embodiment, forexample, a 1 degree rotation of z-adjust pinion 40 causes anapproximately 0.00046 inch movement of lens carrier 14 along the z axis.

FIG. 7 shows the operation of alignment tool 30 for z-axis positioningfrom a bottom view, with lens carrier 14 and other components removedfor clarity. FIG. 8 shows the position of alignment tool 30 componentsfrom a rear view (relative to FIG. 1). It can be observed that thegear-and-pinion arrangement of the embodiment shown is advantaged forpositive engagement and mechanical robustness; however, other mechanismscould be used for this adjustment, such as a coupling using friction,for example.

Mechanism for Coarse θ_(z) Adjustment

The front plan view of FIG. 9 shows the simple mechanism by which θ_(z)adjustment is performed using adjustable lens mount 10 of the presentinvention. As noted above, pin 28 is fitted within lens carrier 14, tobe substantially aligned with a radius from the z-axis. Movement of pin28 in the x-direction as shown causes rotation of lens carrier 14 aboutthe z axis. This same type of x-direction movement is used for movingpin 28, first for coarse θ_(z) adjustment, then for fine θ_(z)adjustment.

Referring to the partially exploded view FIG. 10 and the top view ofFIG. 11, there is shown the overall mechanism for coarse θ_(z)adjustment. An eccentric cam 50, secured by a clamping screw 52, ispositioned using a pin 54 to effect approximate angle θ_(z) adjustment.Eccentric cam 50 does this by setting a coarse position for a θ_(z) cam56, a type of drive member that provides a contact surface 72 againstwhich pin 28 locates. Rotating eccentric cam 50 within a hole 58positions θ_(z) cam 56, thereby adjusting the position of pin 28. Aspring force F_(s), or similar type of loading force, is applied to loadpin 28 against θ_(z) cam 56. The mechanism for applying spring force isshown more clearly in FIG. 8. A spring 60 applies force by means of aloading lever, which pivots on a pivot pin 64. In a preferredembodiment, coarse θ_(z) adjustment rotates lens carrier 14 to withinabout +/−0.15 degrees of the final fine θ_(z) adjustment. The dottedoutline in FIG. 11 represents, in somewhat exaggerated form, the rangeof motion of θ_(z) cam 56 over the adjustment range of eccentric cam 50.When coarse θ_(z) adjustment is complete, clamping screw 52 is tightenedto hold eccentric cam 50 in position.

Mechanism for Fine θ_(z) Adjustment

Once the coarse θ_(z) adjustment has been performed, the fine θ_(z)adjustment can be made, using the mechanism shown in FIG. 12. The rackand pinion arrangement of a fine θ_(z) adjust pinion 66 and gear rackmember 68, mechanically coupled to θ_(z) cam 56 at a pivot point 70,causes θ_(z) cam 56 to pivot about eccentric cam 50. Curved contactsurface 72 of θ_(z) cam 56 provides the slight movement necessary overan arc A for precision adjustment against pin 28. The curvaturedimensions of arcuate contact surface 72 in this embodiment can bedesigned to provide the needed range of motion and resolution needed forfine adjustment over the full travel path of θ_(z) cam 56. Thedotted-line representation in FIG. 12 shows, in outline form, the θ_(z)fine adjustment mechanism at extremes of travel over arc A. (Here, theterm “arc” is understood in its most general geometrical sense, as asmooth curve joining two points; arc A need not be a circular arc.) In apreferred embodiment, for example, a 1 degree rotation of fine θ_(z)adjust pinion 66 causes a lens carrier 14 rotation on the order ofapproximately 0.0023 degrees. It must be observed that contact surface72 need not be arcuate; in practice, however, some amount of curvatureis typically advantageous to allow fine adjustment at the neededresolution, particularly when making adjustments manually.

While the apparatus of the present invention allows precise adjustmentin z and θ_(z), these adjustments are not wholly independent of eachother. Because of this, the following sequence is typically followed formaking adjustments using adjustable lens mount 10 of the presentinvention:

-   -   (1) Make linear z-axis positioning adjustment;    -   (2) Make coarse θ_(z) adjustment; and    -   (3) Make fine θ_(z) adjustment.

-   As with other types of optical systems where there is some    interaction between mechanical mounting components, it may be    necessary to repeat one or more adjustments as needed.

Once the fine θ_(z) adjustment is complete, lens carrier 14 can belocked into place using a locking screw 74, as shown in FIG. 8. Lenscarrier 14 can then be potted in place against base 12 usingconventional techniques well known in the optical arts, allowing theremoval of both bracket 32 and alignment tool 30. Optionally, bracket 32may be kept in place, allowing removal of alignment tool 30. Or, thecomplete adjustable lens mount 10 apparatus may be kept in place tofacilitate subsequent readjustment. Pin 28 may be attached to lenscarrier 14 or may be removable. For example, pin 28 may be threaded.

Alternate Embodiment for Fine z-Axis Adjustment

While the preceding description gives detailed information on the use ofθ_(z) cam 56 for effecting fine θ_(z) adjustment, a slight rearrangementof alignment tool 30 components allows this same type of adjustmentmechanism to be used for z-axis adjustment as well. Referring to the topview of FIG. 13, it can be observed that specific components ofalignment tool 30 have been rotated 90 degrees in the x-z plane for usein effecting precision z-axis translation of lens carrier 14. Here, az-position cam 57 operates in a similar manner to θ_(z) cam 56 forurging pin 28 in the z-axis direction. Correspondingly, a fine z-adjustpinion 67 operates in a manner similar to fine θ_(z) adjust pinion 66,described with reference to FIG. 12, for making the adjustment. Finez-adjust pinion 67 cooperates with a gear rack member 69, mechanicallycoupled to z-position cam 57 at a pivot point 71, causing z-position cam57 to pivot about eccentric cam 51. A contact surface 73 of z-positioncam 57 provides the slight movement necessary for precision z-axisadjustment against pin 28.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the scope of theinvention as described above, and as noted in the appended claims, by aperson of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope ofthe invention. For example, adjustable lens mount 10 could be used forvarious types of optical components other than cylindrical lenses,including a range of refractive or reflective optical devices. Theapparatus of the present invention can use components fabricated from arange of materials, selected for specific requirements of the opticalsystem. While rack-and-pinion mechanisms are particularly advantaged forproviding controlled motion of θ_(z) cam 56 and z-positioning plate 44when adjusted from above, other types of mechanical device could beused, such as friction-based or belt-driven devices. Cam action, becauseit converts rotational movement to linear movement, is particularly wellsuited for making adjustments manually. While θ_(z) cam 56 provides adrive member that is advantaged for manual high-resolution adjustment,other types of components could be used as the drive member for urgingpin 28 to effect corresponding rotational motion of lens carrier 14. Forexample, automated actuators, such as various types of electromechanicalor piezoelectric actuators, could alternately be used for adjusting theposition of pin 28 to effect θ_(z) rotation, either using θ_(z) cam 56or using some other device that provides a suitable contact surface. Asimple adjustment screw could be used for providing linear motionagainst positioning pin 28; however, such an arrangement requires atleast some access space from the side of adjustable lens mount 10.Loading force holding pin 28 against the contact surface of θ_(z) cam 56can be provided in a number of ways, such as using an arrangement ofsprings, magnets, or other components. Pin 28 can be some other type ofextended member that allows some amount of rotation of lens carrier 14within base 12.

It can be appreciated that the apparatus of the present inventionprovides an adjustable mount for an optical component that allowsadjustments relative to the optical or z axis to be made from one sideof the mount. Thus, the apparatus of the present invention is advantagedfor equipment in which spacing constraints limit the options foradjustment access. It can be appreciated that the adjustments needed canbe provided manually or can be effected using a motor or other automatedapparatus.

Thus, what is provided is an apparatus and method for mounting acylindrical lens or other optical component, independently adjustable inposition along or rotationally about an optical axis, in an opticalsystem like that of a laser printer.

PARTS LIST

10 adjustable lens mount

12 base

14 lens carrier

16 optical opening

18 lens

20 v-shaped track

22 flat rails

24 positioning housing

26 cylindrical lens axis

28 pin

30 alignment tool

32 bracket

34 pin

36 hole

38 mounting bolt

40 z-adjust pinion

42 gear

44 z-positioning plate

46 pin

48 slot

50 eccentric cam

51 eccentric cam

52 clamping screw

54 pin

56 θ_(z) cam

57 z-position cam

58 hole

60 spring

64 pivot pin

66 fine θ_(z) adjust pinion

67 fine z-adjust pinion

68 gear rack member

69 gear rack member

70 pivot point

71 pivot point

72 contact surface

73 contact surface

74 locking screw

76 bore

1. (canceled)
 2. An adjustable mount according to claim 5 wherein saidat least one direction is substantially orthogonal to said optical axis.3. An adjustable mount according to claim 5 wherein said at least onedirection is substantially parallel to said optical axis.
 4. Anadjustable mount according to claim 5 wherein said cam comprises anarcuate surface for contact with said extended member.
 5. An adjustablemount for positioning an optical component relative to an optical axiscomprising: (a) a carrier for housing said optical component: (b) amount supporting said carrier along said optical axis, wherein saidcarrier is movable within said mount in at least one direction: (c) anextended member coupled to said carrier for setting a position of saidcarrier within said mount: (d) a movable cam for urging said extendedmember to effect movement in said at least one direction: and whereinsaid mount comprises an outwardly opening V-channel.
 6. An adjustablemount according to claim 5 wherein said carrier is substantiallycylindrical.
 7. An adjustable mount for positioning an optical componentrelative to an optical axis comprising: (a) a carrier for housing saidoptical component: (b) a mount supporting said carrier along saidoptical axis, wherein said carrier is movable within said mount in atleast one direction: (c) an extended member coupled to said carrier forsetting a position of said carrier within said mount: (d) a movable camfor urging said extended member to effect movement in said at least onedirection: and further comprising an adjustment gear pivotally hinged tosaid cam for controlling cam movement over an arc.
 8. An adjustablemount according to claim 5 further comprising a spring applying a forceto load said extended member against said cam.
 9. An adjustable mountfor positioning an optical component relative to an optical axiscomprising: (a) a carrier for housing said optical component: (b) amount supporting said carrier along said optical axis wherein saidcarrier is movable within said mount in at least one direction: (c) anextended member coupled to said carrier for setting a position of saidcarrier within said mount; (d) a movable cam for urging said extendedmember to effect movement in said at least one direction; and whereinsaid extended member is removably attached to said carrier.
 10. Apositioning device for disposing an optical component rotationally aboutan optical axis, said positioning device comprising: (a) a carrier forhousing said optical component, said carrier supported along saidoptical axis and rotatable about a center of rotation substantiallycoincident with said optical axis; (b) an extended member coupled tosaid carrier and extending away from said optical axis for setting therotation angle of said carrier; and (c) a drive member comprising amovable contact surface for urging said extended member in a directionsubstantially orthogonal to said optical axis, thereby adjusting saidangle of said carrier about said optical axis.
 11. A positioning deviceaccording to claim 10 wherein said drive member comprises a cam.
 12. Apositioning device according to claim 10 wherein said contact surface ofsaid cam is arcuate.
 13. A positioning device according to claim 10wherein said carrier is supported within an outwardly opening V-channel.14. A positioning device according to claim 10 wherein said carrier issubstantially cylindrical.
 15. A positioning device according to claim11 further comprising an adjustment gear pivotally hinged to said camfor controlling cam movement over an arc.
 16. A positioning deviceaccording to claim 10 further comprising a spring applying a loadingforce to said extended member against said contact surface.
 17. Apositioning device according to claim 10 further comprising: (d) alinear movement plate pivotally hinged to an adjustment gear, saidlinear movement plate having said contact surface for urging saidextended member in a direction along said optical axis, thereby movingsaid carrier linearly with respect to said optical axis.
 18. Apositioning device according to claim 10 wherein said drive membercomprises a piezoelectric actuator.
 19. A positioning device accordingto claim 10 wherein said drive member comprises an electromechanicalactuator.
 20. A positioning device according to claim 10 wherein saidextended member is removably attached to said carrier.
 21. A positioningdevice for disposing an optical component rotationally about an opticalaxis, said positioning device comprising: (a) a carrier for housing saidoptical component, said carrier supported along said optical axis androtatable about a center of rotation substantially coincident with saidoptical axis; (b) an extended member coupled to said carrier andextending away from said optical axis for setting a rotation angle ofsaid carrier; and (c) a movable cam for urging said extended member in adirection substantially orthogonal to said optical axis, therebyadjusting said angle of the carrier about said optical axis.
 22. Apositioning device according to claim 21 wherein said surface of saidcam in contact with said extended member is arcuate.
 23. A positioningdevice according to claim 21 wherein said carrier is supported within anoutwardly opening V-channel.
 24. A positioning device according to claim21 wherein said carrier is substantially cylindrical.
 25. A positioningdevice according to claim 21 further comprising an adjustment gearpivotally hinged to said cam for controlling cam movement over an arc.26. A positioning device according to claim 21 further comprising aspring for forcing said extended member against said cam.
 27. Apositioning device according to claim 21 further comprising: (d) alinear movement plate pivotally hinged to an adjustment gear, saidlinear movement plate having a z-axis contact surface for urging saidextended member in a direction along the optical axis, thereby movingsaid carrier linearly with respect to said optical axis.
 28. Apositioning device according to claim 21 wherein said extended member isremovably attached to said carrier.
 29. A positioning device fordisposing an optical component at a linear position along an opticalaxis and rotationally about said optical axis, the positioning devicecomprising: (a) a carrier for housing said optical component, saidcarrier supported along said optical axis and rotatable about a centerof rotation substantially coincident with said optical axis; (b) anextended member coupled to said carrier and extending away from saidoptical axis for setting a rotation angle of said carrier; (c) a movablecam disposed for urging said extended member in a directionsubstantially orthogonal to said optical axis, thereby adjusting saidangle of said carrier about said optical axis; and (d) a linear movementplate pivotally hinged to an adjustment gear, said linear movement platehaving a contact surface for urging said extended member in a directionalong said optical axis, thereby moving said carrier linearly withrespect to said optical axis.
 30. A positioning device according toclaim 29 wherein said cam contact surface is arcuate.
 31. A positioningdevice according to claim 29 wherein said carrier is supported within anoutwardly opening V-channel.
 32. A positioning device according to claim29 wherein said carrier is substantially cylindrical.
 33. A positioningdevice according to claim 29 further comprising a rack-and-pinionadjustment mechanism for controlling position of said cam.
 34. Apositioning device according to claim 29 further comprising a spring forforcing said extended member against said cam.
 35. A positioning devicefor disposing an optical component at a linear position along an opticalz axis and rotationally about said optical z axis, said positioningdevice comprising: (a) a carrier for housing said optical component,said carrier supported along said optical z axis and rotatable about acenter of rotation substantially coincident with said optical z axis;(b) an extended member coupled to said carrier and directed away fromsaid optical axis, said extended member rotatable in an x-y plane foradjusting a rotation angle of said carrier about said optical z axis andmovable in a z direction for adjusting a linear position of said carrieralong said optical z axis; and (c) a positioning housing comprising: (i)a rotational angle cam disposed for urging said extended member in adirection within said x-y plane, thereby adjusting said angle of saidcarrier about said optical z axis; and (ii) a linear positioning camcomprising at least a first z-axis contact surface for urging saidextended member in a direction substantially parallel to said optical zaxis.
 36. A positioning device according to claim 35 wherein movement ofsaid rotational angle cam is effected by rotation of an adjustmentpinion.
 37. A positioning device according to claim 35 wherein movementof said linear positioning cam is effected by rotation of an adjustmentpinion.
 38. A positioning device according to claim 35 wherein saidpositioning housing is removable from said carrier following adjustment.39. A method for disposing an optical component rotationally about anoptical axis, comprising: (a) seating said optical component within acarrier; (b) supporting said carrier along said optical axis; (c)providing a rotational control member outwardly extended from saidcarrier; and (d) setting a position of said rotational control memberby: (i) applying a loading force in a direction orthogonal to saidoptical axis to force said rotational control member against a contactsurface; and (ii) moving said contact surface to urge said rotationalcontrol member against said loading force, thereby adjusting an angle ofthe carrier about said optical axis.
 40. A method for disposing anoptical component according to claim 39 wherein the step of moving saidcontact surface comprises the step of moving a cam.
 41. A method fordisposing an optical component according to claim 39 wherein the step ofapplying said loading force comprises the step of extending a spring.42. A method for disposing an optical component according to claim 39wherein the step of moving said contact surface comprises the step ofadjusting a pinion.
 43. A method for disposing an optical componentlinearly along an optical axis, comprising: (a) seating said opticalcomponent within a carrier; (b) supporting said carrier along saidoptical axis; (c) providing a linear position control member outwardlyextended from said carrier; and (d) urging said linear position controlmember in a direction substantially parallel to said optical axis bypivoting a movable plate about a pivot point, said movable plate havingat least one contact surface for moving said linear position controlmember.